A lot of different species depend on ponds, so they are one of the most important parts of a wildlife-friendly garden. Our expert guide will teach you how to take care of your wildlife pond, including which plants to grow in each season and how to get more people to visit your pond.
About two million gardens in Britain have ponds, which is about one in ten. These ponds are a very important network of wetland habitats in our cities. Not only do animals live in and around ponds, but mammals and birds that pass by are also interested in them.
Our expert guide will teach you how to build and take care of a wildlife pond. It includes information on the best plants to grow at different times of the year and how to get more people to visit your pond.
Hedgehogs hunt slugs and other bugs in the long grass around pond edges, especially when it’s hot and dry. Blackbirds, starlings, foxes, and wood pigeons drink or bathe in them (a branch across your pond will attract birds).
It is very important where you dig your pond because species that live in shade will be different from species that live in sun. Also, a shallow pond in a hot spot will have a lot of water evaporate and algae grow. In fact, small ponds are prone to drying out, so it’s best to position them in sheltered locations.
Also, frogs, palmate newts, and other common species will do well in shallow ponds. Toads and even great crested newts are more likely to live in larger, deeper ponds. If you have the room, putting more than one pond in different places with different designs and plant life will make your garden a more interesting place for wildlife.
A backyard wildlife pond attracts beautiful dragonflies, croaking frogs, and serene birds to your outdoor space The delicate ecosystem also sustains plants and aquatic life With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you can create a thriving pond that becomes a sanctuary for animals near your home. Follow this guide to build your own wildlife pond from scratch.
Choose the Perfect Spot
The ideal pond location gets about 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for lush plant growth Avoid heavily shaded areas. Pick a spot
- Near electrical access for pumps/lights
- Visible from patios or walkways to enjoy
- With good drainage and no risk of flooding
- Away from extensive tree debris and roots
Mark the pond outline with a garden hose to visualize the size and shape. An oval or kidney shape blends well. Irregular edges look more natural too.
Size and Depth
A larger pond (minimum 150-200 sq ft surface area) sustains more wildlife diversity with adequate oxygenation. Depth is also key for animal survival in all seasons:
- 1-2 feet deep for marginal plants around edges
- 2-3 feet deep for aquatic plants and amphibian hibernation
- 3-4 feet deep area for fish overwintering
Include varying depths and a gently sloping “beach” for easy wildlife access.
Dig and Shape the Pond
Dig out the marked pond area to the desired shape and depths using a shovel, backhoe or excavator. Slope sides gradually for stability. Pile soil on one end to use later for a waterfall.
Use stakes and level lines to check depth and shape as you dig. Remove rocks and roots from the soil. Consider adding a separate adjacent sinkhole 1-2 ft deep to bury the pump in later for aesthetics.
Add Pond Underlayment and Liner
Line the pond with protective underlayment like carpet, then cover with pond liner overlapping generously. Rubber or PVC liners are flexible and durable. Press into edges smoothly without wrinkles or folds.
Weigh down the liner temporarily with bricks around the top while you work. Avoid any sharps objects below ground that could puncture it. Trim off excess liner when done, leaving at least 12 inches of overhang.
Build Up Waterfall and Stream
Stack decorative rocks on the soil mound you created to form a cascading waterfall and meandering stream. Apply waterfall foam sealant between rocks. Consider incorporating gentle rock steps, cascades and pooling areas for visual interest.
Establish the biological waterfall filter area first using lava rock media. Next build up the waterfall spillway and stream features. Check for proper water flow direction and levels as you build.
Install Pond Pump and Plumbing
Bury flexible tubing from the pump outlet underground to the top of the waterfall, camouflaging it with rocks. Use pipe adapters to connect the pump to the tubing. Consider adding a valve to control flow rate.
Test the pump and plumbing before proceeding further to ensure water flows smoothly to the top of the waterfall as intended. Conceal the pump by placing it in the sinkhole or hidden within rock structures.
Add Finishing Touches
Remove temporary weights around pond edges. Neatly fold liner down vertically and hide it with natural rocks and gravel. Create a gravel beach area for wildlife to easily enter and exit.
Place large accent rocks and mix smaller gravel and pebbles around the waterfall/stream and pond edges for a natural look that fully conceals the liner.
Introduce Plants and Wildlife
Add native, non-invasive oxygenating and marginal aquatic plants throughout the pond and stream beds to establish the ecosystem. Local eco-sourced native plants are ideal.
After a week, introduce some snails, tadpoles and small fish first. Then add more sensitive fish and plants gradually over time. Consider Shelters like half-submerged logs for amphibians too. Visiting wildlife like birds, dragonflies etc will arrive on their own.
Maintain a Healthy Wildlife Pond
Expect to spend 30-60 minutes weekly on pond maintenance:
-
Remove debris like leaves frequently to prevent water pollution
-
Trim back excessive plant growth and remove dead plant matter
-
Clean pump filter regularly as per instructions
-
Use algaecides cautiously to control green spot/hair algae if excessive
-
Test and adjust water chemistry (pH, clarity etc) with treatments as needed
-
Wash down rocks as needed to remove algae/mineral buildup
-
Ensure proper water circulation and aeration with fountains or air stones
With some diligent care, your wildlife pond will soon become a vibrant, self-sustaining haven for nature right in your backyard! It provides endless sights and sounds to enjoy while also helping local ecosystems thrive.
Design your own wildlife pond
It’s easier to put in a pre-formed pond than one with a butyl rubber liner, but a liner lets you make a more interesting pond by adding shallow sloped sides and different depths. If the water level in your pond is at least 75 cm deep, it won’t freeze over during a hard winter.
Remove plants that clog up the pond
A lot of blanketweed and green algae like to grow in new ponds and ponds with a lot of water that get direct sunlight. Hand-pull out the blanketweed and put plants around the edges of the pond to provide shade and lower the water temperature.
How To Make the Ultimate Wildlife Pond – Part 1 – Digging the Pond
FAQ
What is the best depth for a wildlife pond?
How deep should a pond be?
Are backyard ponds good for wildlife?
How do you make a wildlife pond?
Wildlife ponds are one of the easiest garden features to make. The experts give their advice on how to do it: ‘Start off by finding or buying a large container to hold the water needed for a pond,’ says Chris Bonnett of GardeningExpress.co.uk. ‘It could be a specialist shape from a garden center, or an old sink, washing up bowl or plant pot.
How do you make a wildlife pond with no pond liner?
Add stones and logs to the edge of the pond to make a beach. Add oxygenating plants, such as hornwort and spiked water milfoil, to the water. Finally, cut the excess liner and underlay from the edge of the pond. Use more mud to hide any last bits of liner. Follow our step-by-step guide to making a wildlife pond with no visible pond liner.
How to start a wildlife pond?
If you are allowed to do so, taking a bucket of water from a nearby pond or natural body of fresh water in your area should help you to establish a viable pond ecosystem more quickly. Finally, remember that plants are essential components for a successful wildlife pond.
Can you fill a wildlife pond with water from your home?
While you can simply fill a pond with water from your home, it is best to use natural rainwater wherever this is possible. Treated tap water will not always be ideal for a wildlife pond; and even where water is from a natural source, using rainwater that you harvest on your own property is often a more sustainable choice.